Method for implementing a wireless local area network (WLAN) gateway system
First Claim
1. A method for authenticating and charging a user of a wireless local area network (WLAN) gateway system including a service management platform, an access gateway, a rating element maintaining profile information associated with a mobile computing device, a charging element maintaining charging details associated with the mobile computing device, and an interface for connecting the mobile computing device to the access gateway, the method comprising:
- receiving, at the access gateway, authentication information for the user associated with the mobile computing device;
sending a first message from the access gateway to the mobile computing device;
if no reply to the first message is received from the user, then denying the mobile computing device access to said WLAN;
if a reply to the first message is received, then permitting the mobile computing device to access said WLAN; and
during the access to said WLAN;
sending an instruction from the access gateway to the rating element to determine a rate for packets carried between the mobile computing device and the WLAN to establish a rate of charge for the packets; and
sending an instruction from the access gateway to the charging element representing charging details associated with the access of said WLAN by the mobile computing device, the charging details based at least in part on the rate of charge.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention of present provides for a real-time authentication and billing gateway for WLAN traffic. Notably, the improved method for implementing a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) gateway system enables telecommunications network operators (and like entities) to rate and bill for services accessed by the wireless user. The logic of the invention supports and furthers the art in regards to advanced real-time rating/billing in addition to providing for a variety of replenishment mechanisms for casual users via pre-paid vouchers and credit cards.
78 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for authenticating and charging a user of a wireless local area network (WLAN) gateway system including a service management platform, an access gateway, a rating element maintaining profile information associated with a mobile computing device, a charging element maintaining charging details associated with the mobile computing device, and an interface for connecting the mobile computing device to the access gateway, the method comprising:
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receiving, at the access gateway, authentication information for the user associated with the mobile computing device; sending a first message from the access gateway to the mobile computing device; if no reply to the first message is received from the user, then denying the mobile computing device access to said WLAN; if a reply to the first message is received, then permitting the mobile computing device to access said WLAN; and during the access to said WLAN; sending an instruction from the access gateway to the rating element to determine a rate for packets carried between the mobile computing device and the WLAN to establish a rate of charge for the packets; and sending an instruction from the access gateway to the charging element representing charging details associated with the access of said WLAN by the mobile computing device, the charging details based at least in part on the rate of charge. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification